What Makes a Good Leader?

[Shock and Awe]

Out of all the subjective qualities people look for these days, none really seem to be mentioned as much as Leadership. What the hell is leadership anyway? There really is no set standard for the traits of a leader, just for the job description. So what do you think makes a good leader? I think the page that made me think about this in the first place hits the nail on the head.

A leader:

* Believes in an optimistic view for the future.
* Motivates others to achieve.
* Demonstrates loyalty.
* Respects the rights of others.
* Sets a good example.
* Pursues excellence in all endeavors.
* Treats others with concern and civility.
* Demonstrates the courage to act responsibly.
* Possesses uncompromising integrity.
* Is devoted to duty and honor.

 

[New Troll]

Leadership is measured by the loyalty of it's followers.

 

[Ladette]

Leadership is measured by the loyalty of it's followers.

So Charles Manson is the greatest leader of all time?



A great leader makes the difficult choices.

 

[New Troll]

Leadership is measured by the loyalty of it's followers.

So Charles Manson is the greatest leader of all time?



A great leader makes the difficult choices.

Sorry, but do believe God has him beat by several billions. But in a way, as in by means of brainwashing, then yeah. Personally I believe to be loyal to someone or something, a person has to be completely of thier own mind. So in that case, still yes on God but no on Manson.

 

[SwimmingRock]

I agree with most of the OPs list except the first point. I don't want my leader to be optimistic, because the future is not the problem. I want a practical leader who solves the problems we have now and keeps the future in mind.

I would also add "has the courage to do anything he would ask of others" to the list, but that's because I've read too many comic books and am not entirely realistic.

-snip about Charles Manson being a leader-

Sorry, but do believe God has him beat by several billions. But in a way, as in by means of brainwashing, then yeah.

Read that first sentence. Then the second. Laughed my balls off.

 

[Ordinaryundone]

A great leader is someone who can make difficult decisions. Its a very fine distinction between a leader who does what he wants, and a leader who does what his followers want. You have to do both, while at the same time pandering to neither. What people really respect in a leader is ambition and confidence. If you give them that, just something or someone to rally behind, then they will follow you, even if you don't go and check off every last one of their demands.

At least, that's what I see in a good leader. Most people can make decisions, even smart ones occasionally. But not many can make smart ones under pressure, which is a leader's entire job description. Keep a cool head and pick the best choice you can when a hard decision arises. Its this trait that sets leaders apart from experts. The coach of a sports team certainly isn't the best player on the team. Hell, the team captain might not be either. But they can see the bigger picture while others would focus on their own performance, and make decisions accordingly.

 

[Naheal]

I'd like to pick this apart a bit.

A leader:

* Believes in an optimistic view for the future.

Perhaps, but I'd prefer a leader with a realistic view of the future rather than something that could be achieved with the proper sacrifices.

* Motivates others to achieve.

I can go with that.

* Demonstrates loyalty.

To whom?

* Respects the rights of others.

Depending on the circumstances, sure. If he/she is willing to remove rights, they should know what it is that they're taking away.

* Sets a good example.

Lead by example only works for some.

* Pursues excellence in all endeavors.

Er..

I want my leader to lead. I couldn't care less if they can shoot a gun well or run really fast. If you're talking about being highly intelligent and being an excellent leader, then sure.

* Treats others with concern and civility.

This only goes so far. Sometimes, a firm hand is needed.

* Demonstrates the courage to act responsibly.

'kay.

* Possesses uncompromising integrity.

*cough cough* I can only go with that when dealing within the country and where it best suits the country. "Demonstrates intelligent integrity" would probably be the better phrase.

* Is devoted to duty and honor.

Honor doesn't keep people alive nor does it feed them. A leader needs to know when these things are appropriate and when they are inappropriate.